China uses underwater drones in South China Sea

Torpedo-shaped vehicles will remain underwater for a month

Published: 5 days ago

(CNBC) The world’s second-largest economy has been deploying disruptive technology that could strengthen its territorial ambitions in the South China Sea.

Late last month, Beijing dropped a dozen underwater drones, also known as unmanned underwater vehicles, in an unspecified location in the international waterway to carry out “scientific observations,” state-run media outlet Xinhua reported.

The torpedo-shaped vehicles — called Haiyi, or sea wings in Mandarin — will remain underwater for a month, according to reports. In March, one device hit a depth of 6,329 meters, breaking an earlier record held by a U.S. vessel, Xinhua said.